Nagashima Wakana Sets Junior World Record at the IWF Grand Prix in Doha

Day 9 of the IWF Grand Prix in Doha was filled with thrilling emotions as Olympic champions competed for glory and multiple new world records were set. During this competition day, 11 female athletes in the 81 kg category showed up to fight for their spot at the Olympics next year, and it’s safe to say they managed to create history.

Nagashima Wakana – at just 17 years old, became the first woman from her country to hold a world record as she broke the junior one for the C&J. Even though she ranked 7th overall for the exercise in the category, the athlete managed to lift 131 kg on her second attempt, which was enough for her to get the junior world record holder title.

Wakana finished 6th overall with a 105 kg snatch attempt for a total of 236 kg, which is definitely a great achievement for someone so young and surrounded by big names in the world of weightlifting. 

This is Nagashima’s first year competing at the senior level, and the total she showed during the World Cup in Doha is her best one so far. Just two months ago, during the Asian Games, her total was 16 kg lower – with 100 kg on the snatch and 120 kg on the C&J, so her improvement is clear.

Having said that, Nagashima Wakana’s achievement was not the only newsworthy achievement that happened during the ninth competition day at the IWF Grand Prix in Doha. In fact, there were more world records set and a fierce battle for the top spots amongst the athletes competing in the 81 kg women’s division, and if you want to learn more, go ahead and read our team’s full recap. 

As always, for all the news, updates, and shocking surprises from Doha, make sure to check and catch up with our blog daily and to follow our team on social media.